Photo: BBC
Last Saturday, Vernon Kay took part in the Wycombe Rye Parkrun as part of BBC Radio 2’s ‘Let’s Move It.
Dermot O’Leary revealed on his Radio 2 Saturday morning show that the final ‘undercover runner’ would be Vernon, running in the event that morning.
This was Vernon’s first run since he completed his ULTRA Ultramarathon in November with Radio 2, raising over £6m for Children In Need.
Vernon said: “This was the first run I had done since November, and I before I started, I could hear my knees telling me not to do it!
“I had such a smashing morning getting up and out into the fresh air and running my 5k at parkrun in Wycombe. It was great to meet so many people who are moving it as volunteers, walkers and runners.
“Everyone was smiling, and the atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. You don’t have to be an Olympian to take part, you can come out, get out of breath, pop your shorts on, have a bit of banter with the amazing volunteers, and just enjoy it.
“And if you are inspired to get active this summer there is still time, just check out the Radio 2’s Let’s Move It website to find out more and share your story.”
As part of the initiative, and in collaboration with parkrun, three Radio 2 presenters joined in at Saturday morning parkruns at three mystery locations around the country, where they reported live from these community events.
The first ‘undercover runner’ was DJ Spoony who took part in a parkrun in Bedford on Saturday 27th July. The second was Owain Wyn Evans, doing the run in Barry Island with Revd Kate Bottley who helped out as a volunteer in Clumber Park, Nottingham on Saturday 3rd August.
Vernon will also attempt a caber toss as part of Let’s Move It, when he broadcasts his show from the Isle of Bute on Friday 23rd August.